Outbreak of Streptococcus equi subsp. zooepidemicus infection in a group of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta)

Background  A severe upper respiratory tract infection occurred in a breeding group of rhesus monkeys housed together in one of six indoor/outdoor corals of the German Primate Center. The clinical signs of the disease included severe purulent conjunctivitis, rhinitis, pharyngitis, respiratory distress and lethargy. Six of 45 animals died within a few days after developing signs of infection.
Methods and results  Histopathologic and microbiologic examinations of the dead animals were consistent with a severe fibrinopurulent bronchopneumonia. Microbiology revealed a Lancefield group C streptococcus identified as Streptococcus equi subsp . zooepidemicus as the causative agent of infection.
Conclusions  The infection was passed on from animal to animal but did not spread to the other five breeding groups nearby. Extensive diagnostic testing failed to reveal the consisting presence of copathogens in individual cases. A visitor with upper respiratory disease was suspected as source of infection.     

Mitogenetic structure of brown bears (Ursus arctos L.) in northeastern Europe and a new time frame for the formation of European brown bear lineages

We estimated the phylogenetic relationships of brown bear maternal haplotypes from countries of northeastern Europe (Estonia, Finland and European Russia), using sequences of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region of 231 bears. Twenty-five mtDNA haplotypes were identified. The brown bear population in northeastern Europe can be divided into three haplogroups: one with bears from all three countries, one with bears from Finland and Russia, and the third composed almost exclusively of bears from European Russia. Four haplotypes from Finland and European Russia matched exactly with haplotypes from Slovakia, suggesting the significance of the current territory of Slovakia in ancient demographic processes of brown bears. Based on the results of this study and those from the recent literature, we hypothesize that the West Carpathian Mountains have served either as one of the northernmost refuge areas or as an important movement corridor for brown bears of the Eastern lineage towards northern Europe during or after the last ice age. Bayesian analyses were performed to investigate the temporal framework of brown bear lineages in Europe. The molecular clock was calibrated using Beringian brown bear sequences derived from radiocarbon-dated ancient samples, and the estimated mutation rate was 29.8% (13.3%-47.6%) per million years. The whole European population and Western and Eastern lineages formed about 175,000, 70,000 and 25,000 years before present, respectively. Our approach to estimating the time frame of brown bear evolution demonstrates the importance of using an appropriate mutation rate, and this has implications for other studies of Pleistocene populations.     

Idiopathic megaesophagus in a rat (Rattus norvegicus)

Necropsy and histopathologic examination of a rat (Rattus norvegicus) revealed megaesophagus and gangrenous bronchopneumonia. The esophageal dilitation, mural atrophy with persistence of neural structures, regurgitation and bronchopneumonia seen in this case were similar to findings in other animals with megaesophagus.     

Maintenance of an endemic lineage of brown trout (Salmo trutta) within the Duero river basin

The Iberian Peninsula contains diverse populations of freshwater fish, with major river basins comprising differentiated biogeographic units. The Duero River flows through the North‐Western Iberian Peninsula and is one of the most important rivers within the Iberian glacial refuge. Brown trout (Salmo trutta) populate this whole basin, and studies using both allozyme and microsatellite loci have detected a geographically sorted distribution of genetic variation in this species. In this work, sequences of the mitochondrial control region obtained from 299 brown trout from the Duero River were compared with other Iberian and European datasets. Two differentiated haplotype groups were detected inside the Duero River basin. One of them was related to the Atlantic (AT) lineage that is present in Northern European populations, whereas the other comprised an unique group that was restricted to the inner region of the basin. The amount of divergence of this Duero group from the other brown trout populations studied is consistent with a new trout lineage (Duero, DU) that is endemic to this river basin and that diverged from other Atlantic populations during the Pleistocene. The distribution of the DU and AT quaternary lineages in the Duero River was consistent with the ichthyological pattern described in the basin that originated during the Miocene–Pliocene. Evidence of selective processes that favour the haplotypes of the DU lineage may explain this discrepancy.     

Genetic variability of brown bear (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Ursus arctos</Emphasis> L., 1758)

We perform an analysis of the diversity of the control region fragment (570 bp) and ten nuclear microsatellite loci for 36 specimens of the brown bear (Ursus arctos) from several regions of the Caucasus. Four mitochondrial haplogroups that significantly differ from each other are revealed. An assumption of reiterative brown bear colonization of the Caucasus is made. Microsatellite data analysis shows a medium level of heterozygosity and clear differentiation between Caucasian and European bears combined with a slight distinction between the Caucasian regions.     

Temporal dynamics of European brown hare syndrome infection in Northern Italian brown hares (Lepus europaeus)

The progressive decline in the hare population across Europe has been associated with the occurrence of European brown hare syndrome (EBHS), a highly contagious disease considered endemic in all European countries. This study aimed to evaluate the in-field temporal dynamics of European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) infection in wild European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and to test the influence of population density on EBHS seroprevalence. A total of 512 blood samples were collected from free ranging hares captured for restocking in seven different areas of the province of Brescia (Northern Italy) during seven consecutive years (2006–2013) and tested using a competitive ELISA. A generalized linear mixed model estimated the yearly effects of population density on EBHS prevalence. Of the 512 tested, 344 (67.2 %) tested positive for EBHSV antibodies, with the annual seroprevalence ranging from 94.3 to 35.8 %. The prevalence was 3.303 times higher in areas with a density of over 15 hares/km² and declined over the years. The results indicate the ongoing transmission of the virus in the tested brown hare population. Since the eradication of EBHS in a wild population is not feasible, a strategy aimed at promoting the endemic stability of the virus through density-dependent mechanisms could be applied; however, this seems more difficult in practice than in theory and would most likely require a very high density of brown hares.     

Isolation of Actinobacillus suis from a Canada goose (Branta canadensis)

Blindness from conjunctivitis caused by Actinobacillus suis was found in a Canada goose (Branta canadensis) from a wildlife refuge in Kentucky. Lesions were not observed elsewhere and other body organs were grossly normal. Actinobacillus spp. in birds is rare and this is apparently the first report of conjunctivitis resulting from this infection in waterfowl.     

European brown hare syndrome in free-ranging European brown and mountain hares from Switzerland.

From 1997 to 2000, complete necropsy and histopathologic investigations were performed on 157 free-ranging European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) found dead throughout Switzerland. Organ samples of all these individuals (157 livers and 107 spleens available) were tested for European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV)-antigen by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test kit. Furthermore, 60 additional blood samples were tested for antibodies against EBHSV by ELISA. In addition, liver samples of 87 free-ranging mountain hares (Lepus timidus) hunted in 1996 were tested for EBHSV-antigen. In two European brown hares from southern Switzerland lesions suggestive of changes induced by EBHSV were present, and high titers of EBHSV-antigen were detected in both liver and spleen samples of these animals. Based on negative staining electron microscopy investigations of liver and spleen homogenates, we observed calicivirus in one antigen-positive hare. Low EBHSV-antigen titers were found in three additional European brown hares from central and western Switzerland, but EBHS-lesions were absent. Antibodies against EBHSV were not detected in any of the sera of European brown hares, and EBHSV-antigen was not found in the samples of mountain hares. This is the first report of EBHS in European brown hares from Switzerland.     

Mycoplasmosis in captive crows and robins from Minnesota

Mycoplasma sturni is a recently described organism previously associated with conjunctivitis in European starlings (Sturnus vulgaris), northern mockingbirds (Mimus polyglottos) and blue jays (Cyanocitta cristata). Herein we describe the isolation of M. sturni from an American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) presenting with conjunctivitis. A nested-PCR was designed for identification of M. sturni in clinical specimens and the sensitivity of the reaction was found to be 10 colony-changing units. The organism was found in asymptomatic American crows caged with a nestmate of the crow with conjunctivitis. Mycoplasma sturni also was found in asymptomatic American robins (Turdus migratorius) and in a European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) housed at the same facility as the crows. Heterogenity of M. sturni isolates from different host species was found by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses. Heterogeneity also was found among M. sturni isolates recovered from American crows. We suggest that M. sturni can successfully infect American crows and American robins with or without the presence of clinical disease. Furthermore, we demonstrate that nested-PCR is an effective method for the detection of M. sturni and that substantial genetic heterogeneity exists among natural isolates of this bacterial pathogen.     

Sexing European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) and mountain hares (Lepus timidus) with ZFX and ZFY loci

We describe a new method for the sex determination of tissue originating from Oryctolagus cuniculus (European rabbit), Lepus europaeus (European brown hare) and Lepus timidus (mountain hare) based on PCR-RFLP analysis of point mutations that differentiate the ZFX and ZFY gene sequences. Among several applications, this PCR-RFLP method could be used to investigate gender ratio and evaluate the population dynamics of these species using samples collected when sex cannot be identified.     

European brown hare syndrome virus in free-ranging European brown hares from Argentina

From 1998 to 2000, serum samples of 80 shot European brown hares (Lepus europaeus) from Argentina were examined for antibodies against European brown hare syndrome virus (EBHSV) and 80 spleen samples were tested for EBHSV-antigen by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Nine hares were positive for EBHSV-antigen. Antibodies against EBHSV were detected in only one individual. Based on negative staining electron microscopy of spleen homogenates, we observed calicivirus in one of five EBHSV-antigen positive hares. However, EBHS has not been reported to cause abnormal mortality in these hares. This is the first report of antibodies to EBHSV, EBHSV-antigen, and electron microscopy findings in free-ranging European brown hares from South America.     

Chlamydial infection of cats and human health

Chlamydia psittaci var.felis is considered as a primary and important agent in the etiology of infectious diseases of the upper respiratory tract and eyes in cats, having zoonotic potential. We investigated 13 cats aged between 2 months and 7 years, in which conjunctivitis, rhinitis, laryngotracheitis, bronchopneumonia and lymph adenopathy was clinically diagnosed. To detect the antigen ofC. psittaci the Clearview Chlamydia Direct Test was used for the first time. The presence ofC. psittaci in 10 of 13 investigated cats and in 8 nasal mucosa smears from 10 investigated cats were confirmed in conjunctiva. Using bacteriological examination different species of the genusStaphylococcus in conjunctiva from all 13 investigated animals were also confirmed. Serological investigation using complement fixation test was negative in all animals.     

Brown hares on the edge: Genetic population structure of the Danish brown hare

Denmark lies on the edge of the distributional range of the brown hareLepus europaeus Pallas, 1778, where population differentiation is most likely to occur. A total of 369 brown hares from eight geographically distinct Danish European brown hare populations were used to study the genetic population structure. In all, 480bp of the mitochondrial D-loop were sequenced in both directions. Observed genetic diversity (π) was relatively low (π=0.41%) while haplotype diversity (h=0.808) and the number of unique haplotypes (19) were similar to levels found in other European brown hare populations. The observed population structure was pronounced (pairwise conventionalF _ST and ϕ _st ranged between 6.9–57% and 5–69.8%, respectively). There was no correlation between the geographic and the genetic distance. Population structure was influenced by genetic drift, anthropogenic effects (eg translocation and escapes from hare-farms) and by post-glacial recolonization from southern refuges or refuges north east of the Black Sea. Analysis of historical population expansion/fluctuation events indicated that the populations have experienced different demographic events in the recent past. Relatively high sequence divergence between some populations might be explained by multiple recolonization events after the last Pleistocene glaciations or by stocking effects. Colonization from southern refuges was supported by the observation that haplotype 2 in the Danish brown hare was identical to the central European ancestral haplotype c07.     

Advancing provision of multi-species fish passage: Behaviour of adult European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) in response to accelerating flow

The behavioural response of downstream moving European eel (Anguilla anguilla) and brown trout (Salmo trutta) to velocity gradients created by orifice weirs placed in a flume were studied. The aim was to identify interspecific variation and test two hypotheses: (1) a more abrupt velocity gradient would induce a higher avoidance response and over a greater distance, and (2) fish would acclimate to the velocity gradient by incrementally sampling conditions closer to the orifice until successful passage occurred. European eel moved along the channel floor and walls, responding after physical contact with the weir. Brown trout moved downstream head first and switched orientation at the velocity gradient without contacting the structure. Brown trout spent longer than European eel immediately upstream of a channel floor orifice, although time to pass was similar; but less time at a mid-column orifice despite taking longer to pass. The mid-column orifice delayed both species longer. European eel passed orifices head first on initial encounter with no rejections, whereas brown trout passed tail first. Positions where brown trout first switched orientation and closest point to the orifice reached during initial approach occurred closer to a channel floor than mid-column treatment. Brown trout did not appear to acclimate to the velocity gradient by sampling successively closer to the orifice. Interspecific variation in behaviour remains a key challenge in developing multi-species fish passes.     

High mtDNA haplotype diversity among introduced Swedish brown haresLepus europaeus

The brown hareLepus europaeus Pallas, 1778 occurs naturally in central Eurasia, but has been introduced to parts of northern Europe, South- and North America, Australia and New Zealand. Brown hares were introduced to Sweden from central Europe for hunting purposes during the 19th century. We investigated how the human--mediated brown hare colonisation of Sweden is reflected in the amount of genetic variation present by assessing variation and composition of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) lineages among Swedish brown hares. MtDNA from a total of 40 brown hare specimens from 15 localities were analysed for Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphisms. The haplotype diversity is surprisingly high (0.893 ± 0.002) when compared to the mtDNA diversity among brown hares on the European continent as well as to other mammalian species. Admixture of haplotypes from different source populations combined with a reduced effect of random genetic drift and a relaxed selection pressure due to rapid population growth after introduction are mechanisms that are likely to account for the observed high mtDNA haplotype diversity.     

Evolutionary relationships of Eastern Palearctic Brown Frogs, genus Rana: paraphyly of the 24-chromosome species group and the significance of chromosome number change

The Eurasian 'brown frogs' are a morphologically conservative assemblage consisting of the European Rana temporaria and a large number of similar species considered to be related. Although the chromosome number of the great majority of Rana species is 26, there are several species of brown frogs (including R. arvalis, R. chensinensis, R. omativentris and R. dybowskii ) which instead have 24 chromosomes. Yet comparative study of isozyme variation at 25 gene loci from these and seven other European, Caucasian, and east Asian species indicates that the 24-chromosome brown frogs are not a monophyletic group. To the exclusion of R. arvalis , the east Asian 24-chromosome species form a distinct clade related to the 26-chromosome species R. temporaria, R. dalmatina, R. japonica , and R. tagai more closely than to R. arvalis. This result is reinforced by the comparative position of the nucleolar organizer region (NOR) in the karyotypes of these frogs, as shown by NOR-banding of metaphase chromosomes. The NOR is on chromosome No. 2 in R. arvalis but on chromosome No. 10 in the other three 24-chromosome species. The systematic positions of the Causasian species A. camerani and R. macrocnemis relative to the other species are unclear except that these frogs are distinct enough to be considered part of an outgroup clade. However, in general, the systematics of the entire brown frog group remains unresolved due to great genetic divergences between species and the evident homoplasy of the brown frog morphotype. The parallel origins of reduced karyotypes among the brown frogs demonstrate that caution should be exercised when judging systematic relationships based upon gross karyology in the absence of more detailed information.     

Ophiostoma arduennense sp. nov. (Ophiostomatales, Ascomycota) from Fagus sylvatica in southern Belgium

Ophiostoma arduennense sp. nov. is described from several cultures isolated from Fagus sylvatica in southern Belgium. The species is mainly characterized by globose perithecia with small button-like bases ornamented with brown hyphal hairs of variable length and, long cylindrical necks ending in ostiolate hyphae. It is homothallic with small reniform ascospores and no apparent anamorph. It is closely associated with the ambrosia beetles Xyloterus domesticus and X. signatus. Its phylogenetic relationships within Ophiostoma are discussed and the species is compared with other Ophiostoma species associated with European beech or other broad-leaved trees in Europe, especially species of the O. quercus–O. piceae complex. The species is responsible for a dark brown staining of the sapwood and its role in the decline of beech in Southern Belgium is also discussed.     

Post-glacial colonization of Western Europe brown bears from a cryptic Atlantic refugium out of the Iberian Peninsula

The European brown bear (Ursus arctos) shows a particular phylogeography that has been used to illustrate the model for contraction-expansion dynamics related to glacial refugia in Southern European peninsulas. Recent studies, however, have nuanced the once generally accepted paradigm, indicating the existence of cryptic refugia for some species further north. In this paper we collected available data on chronology and mitochondrial haplotypes from Western European brown bears, adding new sequences from present day individuals from the Cantabrian (North Iberia) area, in order to reconstruct the dynamics of the species in the region. Both genetics and chronology show that the Iberian Pleistocene lineages were not the direct ancestors of the Holocene ones, the latter entering the Peninsula belatedly (around 10,000 years BP) with respect to other areas such as the British Isles. We therefore propose the existence of a cryptic refugium in continental Atlantic Europe, from where the bears would expand as the ice receded. The delay in the recolonization of the Iberian Peninsula could be due to the orographic characteristics of the Pyrenean-Cantabrian region and to the abundant presence of humans in the natural entrance to the Peninsula.